One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (right) is relieved by manager Terry Francona in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians: The starters stay healthy

This offseason was the perfect example of how a small-market team like the Indians can have a blockbuster winter. The Tribe was positioned perfectly to make a splash after previously locking up all of their homegrown talent to club-friendly deals. By adding Edwin Encarnacion and Boone Logan, the Indians upgraded at first base and somehow managed to improve one of the best bullpens in the league.

Were it not for injuries to Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco, the Indians likely would have held off the Cubs in the World Series last year. Terry Francona managed to get through the AL side of the playoff bracket with smoke and mirrors, but his club just ran out of gas when it mattered most.

Along with ace Corey Kluber, Salazar and Carrasco give the Indians three horses who can match any top-three rolled out by the Red Sox. Whether or not both can get to October all in one piece, however, remains to be seen. Neither has completed a 200-inning season in the big leagues. With his elite bullpen to work with, Francona should look for opportunities early in the season to get his starters out of games early, keeping his powder dry for when it matters most.

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